Can a steaming cup of coffee protect you from cancer?

When you take that first sip of coffee in the morning, you may see it as an indulgence – something that isn't ultimately good for you, but is necessary to tackle the demands of the day. However, though caffeine – like anything – may be harmful in excess, studies have also indicated a few benefits to this morning ritual.

In fact, one recent piece of research has revealed that drinking as many as three cups of coffee throughout the day may be a boon for aging longevity by reducing the risk of developing liver cancer. The Italian study was published by the medical journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and involved the extensive analysis of 16 articles on the subject of coffee consumption.

"The favorable effect of coffee on liver cancer might be mediated by coffee's proven prevention of diabetes, a known risk factor for the disease, or for its beneficial effects on cirrhosis and liver enzymes," said lead author Dr. Carlo La Vecchia in a press release from the American Gastroenterological Association.

However, another researcher weighed in that external factors, like the possibility that people with liver conditions ultimately drink less coffee, could have something to do with this apparent correlation.

If you have concerns about your overall health and ability to age gracefully, don't hesitate to contact the anti-aging doctors at Longevity Centres of America in Houston. We can provide nutritional guidance, hormone replacement therapy, IV chelation and more to ensure that you look and feel your very best as the years go on.